Japan's Emperor and Empress visited Mie Prefecture for a two-day trip to attend an annual convention promoting the fishing industry. On Saturday, they toured Toba Aquarium, observing the feeding of protected species like sea otters and dugongs. On Sunday, they participated in the 44th National Festival of Celebration for Maritime Resources in Shima, where the Emperor recalled childhood memories.
On November 8, the Emperor and Empress visited Toba Aquarium in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, as part of a two-day trip to attend an annual convention promoting the fishing industry. At the aquarium, the Imperial couple observed the feeding of internationally protected species such as sea otters and dugongs, and received a briefing on the ushimotsugo, a freshwater fish inhabiting the prefecture that is listed on the Environment Ministry’s red list.
They then proceeded to a hotel in Shima City, where they spoke with elementary and junior high school students who had created award-winning paintings and calligraphic works to promote the event, as well as individuals in the fishing industry with expertise in marine environment and resource management.
On November 9, in Shima, the Emperor and Empress attended the ceremony for the 44th annual National Festival of Celebration for Maritime Resources. In his address, the Emperor referred to his childhood memories of visiting the prefecture and observing ama female divers at work and pearl processing. “I hope that your activities to create a bountiful ocean will continue to be supported by many people and develop further,” he said.
Following the ceremony, the Imperial couple were scheduled to return to Tokyo that evening.